Best resorts to go skiing in Norway

Norway’s ski heritage is unmatched. While there’s a big emphasis on cross-country and telemark skiing, you’ll also find a boatload of downhill, alpine, and pow shredding. Rock-solid snow records, modern resort infrastructure, and boundless backcountry terrain await, too. And we’ve done the homework, so you don’t have to spend hours researching where to head. So, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

Oh, but before we do, skiing in a new place demands new ski clothing! Check out the latest collection from MONTEC to score a brand-new ski jacket or ski bib this season.

Top ski areas

Trysil

We’ll begin with Trysil, Norway’s largest and oldest ski resort. It’s one of the most accessible, too, lying only three hours north of Oslo, with lots of transfer options available. Known for its wide-open runs and steep terrain, Trysil has everything you need and caters to all riding levels. There are also 62 miles/100 kilometers of cross-country trails right from the resort, a dedicated children’s ski area, and a renowned snow park. Nice, right?

The ski area base has a good-sized resort with plenty of accommodation and après choices. The Radisson Blu Resort is a super comfy spot to post up, with ski-in and ski-out access. Want a post-ride drink? Set your sights on Laaven for a super lively atmosphere and live music. Oh, and trust us, live bands in Scandinavia hit different. 

Hemsedal

Hemsedal is another decently sized resort. It has a higher elevation than Trysil and plenty of snow to go with it. Hemsedal is also a three-hour drive from Oslo. However, it’s a little more suited to advanced riders, with copious amounts of challenging runs. Those who like to catch air will want to give Hemsedal a closer look, too. That’s because it’s home to one of Norway’s best and most famous terrain parks. Thanks to its slope variety, learners can still get to grips with ripping here, though.

Looking for a hotel recommendation? The Skarsnuten Hotel is an epic choice. It has awesome food, super comfortable rooms, and a spectacular view of the valley. When it comes to drinking and dancing, you’ve gotta hit Stavkroa, known for its lairy après-ski parties and live house DJ sets. It’s a fun place to add a couple of extra miles on those legs after riding!

Geilo

Geilo is another brilliant choice! It’s one of Norway’s oldest resorts, accessible via car or the Oslo-Bergen train line. Okay, it takes around four hours to get here, but it’s well worth the trip! Geilo is a super family-friendly spot with loads of beginner terrain and cross-country trails. The scenery is truly picturesque, and the town of Geilo is laid-back and welcoming. In fact, we think it’s hard to beat for strolling around with little ones, especially at Christmas!

For lodging, we like Vestlia Resort, a super comfortable and conveniently located hotel with a full spa and ski-in, ski-out access. It’s the perfect place for a family adventure. There’s less crazy après than in other resorts. However, we fully recommend hitting the Ski Bar in the Dr. Holms Hotel. You’ll have a cozy experience sipping hot chocolate next to a roaring fire. What more could you need after a long day of skiing?

Kvitfjell

Just north of historic Lillehammer is Kvitfjell, home to Alpine World Cup events. That makes it perfect to rack up some speed and tackle terrain on the more challenging end of the spectrum. The resort is also renowned for its ‘three-sided’ trail network. That means you’ll discover multiple north-facing slopes for pow-slashing alongside easy-going slopes.

The resort has lodges and chalets, so a self-catered trip is definitely on the cards! We recommend Yttersvingen Kvitfjell, a block of super modern, comfortable apartments right on the slopes. And for post-ride partying with epic live music? Aim for Tyrihanstunet – it’s always hopping when the sun goes down.

Myrkdalen

We head west to Myrkdalen, only a two-hour drive from Bergen. You can find plenty to do inside and outside the ropes, as the 16 feet/4.8 meters of annual snowfall means off-piste skiing is always on deck. Don’t want to duck off the marked trail? Don’t worry – Myrkdalen has a dedicated children’s and family area for those putting in their first turns.

The aptly named Myrkdalen Hotel is a modern ski-in, ski-out hotel with everything you need. Alternatively, stay in nearby Vossevangen, which has the modern Scandic Voss and Voss Resort Fjellheisar. For drinks after riding, aim for Pudder. Myrkdalen isn’t super built up, though, so there’s no pumping après scene here!

Voss

Speaking of Voss, this resort has received a lot of modern upgrades in recent years. The gorgeous Voss Gondola whisks riders up to the main ski area, where a sizeable network of trails awaits. There’s enough for everyone, but advanced skiers and ski tourers will love the marked route from the Horgaletten up to Lonahorgi at 4,629 feet/1,411 meters. It’s a long, technical off-piste descent back to town. But it’s 100% worth doing.

There are tons of lodging options. Stay in Borstrondi, and you can ski back to your door‌. The Voss Resort Bavallstunet offers self-catering. Alternatively, splash out and stay at the swanky Elva Hotel. It’s on the water with Insta-worthy rooms and full-length windows to check out the unreal scenery. For a drink and a good time post-ride, set your sights on the Inside Rock Café!

Strandafjellet

We head further north now to the small Strandafjellet. This is an altogether more unique experience, thanks to its coastal locale, giving you incredible views of the fjords as you ski. It’s a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Oslo but can be easily reached from Ålesund if you take a connecting flight. You’ll find the reward worth the journey, as Strandafjellet has truly epic off-piste skiing. In fact, it’s perfect for hunting fresh pow with sea views! Does that sound dreamy or what? 

We recommend the Stranda Hotel, just ten minutes from the slopes. It’s a cozy, comfy spot to post up for the week while you explore the surrounding valleys and mountains. To knock a few back, hit the Fjord Panorama Restaurant and Bar and soak in even more stunning scenery. Trust us, it never gets old! 

Hafjell

We finish our list with the awesome Hafjell, which hosted many of the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics events. We bet you can guess where this is going…Yes, Hafjell is ideal if you love long, fast runs with loads of challenging terrain. But it’s also great for families, as there are a fair few mellow runs. So, rack up your confidence on those blue laps. 

For a stay, we recommend the Nermo Hotel. It has slope-side rooms and cabins for easy access to the slopes and town. Hunting some libations after finishing your laps? Line up Gaiastova, a super lively bar with fantastic drinks and food. It’s well-known as the place to be after an epic day riding.

FAQs

Is Norway good for ski touring?

Yes! Norway is renowned for its amazing ski touring, with so much variety both inland and near the coast. Its northern archipelagos offer a truly unique experience as you ski all the way down to the sea with some of the best views on Earth. You can find this terrain in the Lofoten Islands. Still, the Jotunheimen and Lyngen Alps also provide insane lines and abundant snowfall. Prefer to start from inside the ropes? Resorts such as Hemsedal and Strandafjellet host epic off-piste and easily accessible touring routes.

When’s the best time to ski in Norway?

Norway’s ski season follows the Alps, so it’s possible to ski from November to May on good snow years. However, because of its northern latitude, it gets dark quite early in the winter. With that in mind, skiing in February and March offers the best weather and sunlight. Lots of resorts have floodlit skiing, though, so a trip in December or January is also more than possible. Like the Alps, the heaviest snowfall months are January and February. So, if it’s fresh powder you’re chasing, don’t hesitate to book then. 

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it! If you’re not stoked to head north this winter, we’d suggest you re-read this article and check back with us! All jokes aside, Norway has a deep well of epic resorts alongside boundless off-piste and touring to discover. There’s so much going on from the Lofoten Islands to Oslo that it’d be hard to do it in one lifetime – let alone one trip! But that just means you have to go back, right?

Think we missed something or need more help? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com. We’re more than happy to help you have the best adventure ever.

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